When it comes to PC gaming, 4K resolution is increasingly becoming the standard, offering an unparalleled level of detail and immersion. Thanks to advanced technologies like Nvidia DLSS and AMD Fluid Motion Frames, you don't necessarily need a top-tier PC to enjoy 4K gaming. Monitors like the Asus ROG Swift PG32UCDM stand out, delivering stunning visuals with vibrant colors and high frame rates, while maintaining excellent responsiveness. Even if the price or PC requirements seem daunting, there's a wide range of affordable and high-performing 4K gaming monitors available to suit various budgets.
TL;DR – These Are the Best 4K Gaming Monitors:
Our top pick### Asus ROG Swift PG32UCDP
4See it at AmazonSee it at Best Buy
### Arzopa 32" 4K 144Hz Gaming Monitor
2See it at Amazon
### GigabyteM27U
0See it at Amazon
### LG Ultragear GX9
1See it at Amazon
### Alienware AW3225QF
3See it at DellA 4K gaming monitor is the ultimate way to experience your favorite PC games, providing incredible sharpness with four times the resolution of a 1080p gaming monitor. As more graphics cards become capable of handling 4K resolution effectively, this technology is becoming more accessible than ever. 4K monitors also enhance the gaming experience on consoles like the PS5. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve rigorously tested and researched dozens of options to bring you our top five 4K gaming monitors.
Additional contributions by Danielle Abraham and Matthew S. Smith.
1. Asus ROG Swift PG32UCDP
Best 4K Gaming Monitor
Our top pick### Asus ROG Swift PG32UCDP
4WOLED gaming monitor with 480Hz refresh rate and 4K@240HzSee it at AmazonSee it at Best BuyProduct SpecificationsScreen Size32"Aspect ratio16:9Resolution3840x2160 / 1920x1080Panel typeOLED HDR compatibilityDisplayHDR 400 True Black Brightness1,300 cd/m2Refresh rate240Hz / 480HzResponse time0.03ms Inputs2 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x DisplayPort 1.4, 1 x USB-C (DisplayPort mode), 3 x USB-A, 1 x USB-BPROSBeautiful OLED displayFast refresh rate with great motion clarityUp to 480Hz refresh ratePlentiful gaming featuresCONSMay be too large for some gaming spacesIf you're seeking the pinnacle of gaming monitors and are willing to invest, the Asus ROG Swift PG32UCDP is the ideal choice. With a 32-inch display, it perfectly captures the detail of its crisp 4K resolution. Its WOLED panel, featuring white OLED technology, offers exceptional brightness and vivid colors that are factory-calibrated, making it suitable for both creative work and top-tier gaming. Additionally, its power efficiency and longevity surpass those of competing QD-OLED monitors.
As highlighted in my review of this Asus ROG Swift monitor, its versatility is a standout feature. You can enjoy gaming at 4K with stunning detail up to 240Hz, or switch to a 480Hz mode for enhanced clarity and responsiveness at 1080p. This flexibility allows more graphics cards to achieve higher frame rates. The monitor also includes Extreme Low Motion Blur (ELMB) for even better motion clarity, making it one of the few that significantly improves motion performance, noticeable even to casual gamers. As a longtime Battlefield player, the difference was immediately evident without needing to scrutinize every pixel.
The monitor is packed with gaming features, some of which, like the Sniper Mode with its reticle and zoom window, may challenge ethical boundaries in competitive play. Nevertheless, the Asus ROG Swift PG32UCDP remains the top 4K gaming monitor on the market.
2. Arzopa M3RC - 32" 4K 144Hz Gaming Monitor
Best Budget 4K Gaming Monitor
### Arzopa 32" 4K 144Hz Gaming Monitor
2This display is Arzopa's attempt to establish itself in the gaming monitor space and succeeds. It's a fantastic value. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsScreen size32” Aspect ratio16:9Resolution3840x2160Panel typeAMD FreeSync, G-Sync compatible Brightness350 cd/m2Refresh rate144HzResponse time1ms Inputs2x HDMI 2.1, 1x DisplayPort 1.4, 1x USB Type-C, 2x USB 2.0, 1x audio outPROS144Hz refresh rateIPS panel with good color calibrationBuilt in USB hubGreat valueCONSLow peak brightnessProduct support is questionableThe era of exorbitantly priced 4K high-refresh-rate monitors is fading, thanks to offerings like the Arzopa M3RC, which brings this technology to the masses at a budget-friendly price of around $300. Arzopa, known for its quality portable monitors, is making waves in the full-size gaming monitor market by offering a compelling balance of features and affordability.
The Arzopa M3RC boasts a native 4K resolution with a 144Hz refresh rate, ensuring crisp and smooth gameplay. It supports both AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync for tear-free gaming and features an IPS panel with impressive color accuracy right out of the box—a rarity among budget monitors. Additional conveniences include a USB Type-C video input and a two-port USB hub, features often omitted from lower-priced models.
While this monitor does make some compromises, particularly in brightness, rated at 350 nits, it still offers a solid mid-range performance. More concerning is the potential for limited product support from a smaller brand, though it does come with a 1-year limited warranty. Given its price point and the positive feedback from early adopters, the Arzopa M3RC is certainly worth considering.
Gigabyte M27U
Best 4K Gaming Monitor Under $500
### GigabyteM27U
0Fast, bright, and affordable, this is the 4K gaming monitor to beat in this price range. With a peak brightness of around 700 nits, it offers one of the best HDR gaming experiences you can find under $500.See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsScreen Size27"Aspect ratio16:9Resolution3840x2160 Panel typeSuperSpeed IPSHDR compatibilityDisplayHDR 400 True Black Brightness400 cd/m2 (~700 cd/m2 peak)Refresh rate160HzResponse time1msInputs2x HDMI 2.1, 1x DisplayPort 1.4, 1x USB Type-C, 3x USB 3.2 Downstream ports, 1x USB 3.2 Upstream port, 1x Earphone JackPROSHigh peak brightnessPlentiful connectivity optionsReliably smooth, reliably great looking gaming experienceCONSNo local dimmingThe Gigabyte M27U may push the boundaries of what's considered "budget," but it delivers exceptional value for a 4K gaming monitor. Its high peak brightness and edge-lit local dimming contribute to a superior picture quality and HDR experience at this price point.
In SDR mode, the monitor reaches around 400 nits, but in HDR, it peaks at nearly 700 nits, resulting in brighter highlights and more vibrant colors that enhance the gaming experience. It also employs local dimming zones to boost contrast beyond typical IPS panel capabilities.
The monitor is equipped with a variety of gaming features, including an on-screen reticle, Shadow Boost, and easy access to settings via Gigabyte's OSD Sidekick software. Its built-in KVM feature is a boon for users with multiple systems, allowing seamless switching between devices. The only trade-off is choosing between local dimming and peak brightness, but this compromise does not detract from the overall excellent gaming experience.
4. LG UltraGear GX9 (45GX950A-B)
Best Ultrawide 4K Gaming Monitor
### LG Ultragear GX9
1Large and in-charge, this is a true 4K ultrawide with features to spare.See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsScreen size44.5"Resolution5120x2160Panel typeOLED, G-Sync Compatible, AMD FreeSync Premium ProBrightness1,300 cd/m2 Refresh rate165Hz/330HzResponse time0.03msInputs2x HDMI 2.1, 1 x DisplayPort 2.1, 2 x USB 2.0, 1 x USB Type-CPROSDual resolution and refresh rate optionsHigh peak brightness with per-pixel local dimming (OLED)DisplayPort 2.1 supportCONSRequires a powerful GPUDeep curvature isn't for everyoneFor gamers craving an ultrawide display with the highest resolution available, the LG UltraGear GX9 is unparalleled. Its 45-inch screen with an 800R curvature and a stunning 5120x2160 resolution immerses you in your game, drawing you into the center of the action. With a native refresh rate of 165Hz, it offers smooth gameplay, but for competitive esports, it can switch to an FHD mode that ramps up to 330Hz, ensuring top-tier responsiveness and motion clarity.
The OLED technology used in this monitor provides infinite contrast, vivid colors, and a broader dynamic range, making it ideal not only for gaming but also for movies and other content. However, utilizing such a high-resolution ultrawide display requires a powerful GPU, and its deep curvature may not appeal to everyone. Despite these considerations, the LG UltraGear GX9 stands out as one of the premier choices for a premium 4K ultrawide gaming monitor.
Dell Alienware AW3225QF
Best Curved 4K Monitor
### Alienware AW3225QF
3A large 32” curved display with looks and specs to match its size. 4k UHD, super-powered 0.3ms response times, and 240hz; this is what a premium gaming monitor looks like. See it at DellProduct SpecificationsScreen size32"Aspect ratio16:9Resolution3840x2160Panel typeQD-OLED, Adaptive-Sync, G-Sync CompatibleHDR compatibilityDisplayHDR 400, HDR10, Dolby VisionBrightness250 cd/m2 (1,000 cd/m2 peak)Refresh rate240Hz Response time0.3msInputs2 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x DisplayPort 1.4 PROSReliably excellent gaming experienceFantastic HDR240Hz refresh rate for competitive gamingCONSExpensiveWhile flat panels have dominated the market, the Alienware AW3225QF redefines the gaming experience with its curved design. Its 32-inch display with a 240Hz refresh rate and a 0.3ms response time ensures smooth and immersive gameplay. The quantum dot panel delivers rich, accurate colors, and its gentle curve enhances immersion without distorting text.
The monitor's HDR performance is particularly noteworthy, with peak brightness reaching 1,000 nits, and it supports Dolby Vision and eARC for enhanced streaming and audio experiences. Whether you're a dedicated PC gamer or a console enthusiast, the Alienware AW3225QF offers a premium, curved 4K gaming solution.
What to Look for in a 4K Gaming Monitor
When shopping for a 4K gaming monitor, consider your desired features, image quality, and budget. Over recent years, 4K gaming monitors have become more accessible, with high-refresh-rate Ultra HD displays now available for under $400. These monitors often come with gaming-friendly features like Nvidia G-Sync and HDR support. While all decent 4K gaming monitors provide sharp images, investing more can yield superior image quality, brightness, and advanced panel types.
Size: For most users, anything below 27 inches may not fully benefit from 4K resolution. While smaller sizes offer higher pixel density, the ideal range for Ultra HD is typically 27 to 32 inches. Larger screens up to 48 inches are available for a more cinematic experience, but be aware that larger sizes can soften the image.
Panel: The type of panel is crucial. IPS panels are known for accurate colors and wide viewing angles but have lower contrast. VA panels offer better contrast but can suffer from ghosting. OLED panels, with their infinite contrast and fast response times, provide stunning visuals but carry a risk of burn-in. Mini-LED backlights, often called Mini-LED monitors, enhance contrast and brightness but can exhibit blooming, which is less noticeable with more zones.
Refresh rate: A minimum of 120Hz is recommended for gaming, with 144Hz or higher being ideal. Higher refresh rates reduce input latency and motion blur, crucial for competitive gaming.
Connectivity and supporting features: Ensure the monitor supports HDMI 2.1 for 4K 144Hz console gaming. Additional features like Dolby Vision, G-Sync, FreeSync, built-in KVMs, USB hubs, and gaming-specific functions can enhance your setup.
4K Gaming Monitor FAQ
Are 4K gaming monitors worth it?
4K gaming monitors offer stunning visuals but aren't universally beneficial. If your PC has an entry-level graphics card, you may struggle to achieve playable frame rates at 4K. However, with a mid-range or high-end GPU from recent generations, and with technologies like Nvidia DLSS and AMD Fluid Motion Frames, 4K gaming becomes feasible and can significantly enhance your gaming experience.
Is 1440p better than 4K?
1440p can be preferable if you prioritize higher frame rates over visual sharpness. It's less demanding, allowing for better performance on higher settings. However, with upscaling technologies, you can enjoy 4K gaming with a broader range of hardware, so consider your priorities and desired frame rates.
Do you need an expensive graphics card to run a 4K gaming monitor?
Not necessarily. Thanks to upscaling technologies, you can enjoy 4K gaming with a mid-range GPU like the AMD Radeon 7700 XT or Nvidia RTX 4070. For native 4K at ultra settings, a top-tier GPU is still required, but these technologies make 4K gaming more accessible.
